New firefighters boost emergency response

Twenty-three new firefighters and nine fire communications officers will soon be stationed across Queensland following their graduation from the Queensland Combined Emergency Services Academy at Lytton today.

Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Craig Crawford and Member for Lytton Joan Pease congratulated the recruits as they embarked on their new careers.

“When these recruits return to their homes across the state, they will be called upon to be courageous when Queenslanders need them most,” Minister Crawford said.

“Whether frontline firefighters or fire communications officers taking emergency triple zero calls, these people will be dedicating themselves to saving lives and keeping communities safe.

“On behalf of all Queenslanders and the Palaszczuk government, I commend and thank the new recruits for choosing to play an essential role in making their local communities stronger and safer.”

Following their graduation, recruits will commence duties throughout the state, including Ingham, Townsville, Gladstone, Rockhampton, Toowoomba, Maryborough and Brisbane.

“The stationing of these recruits is yet another example of the Palaszczuk government’s commitment to bolstering frontline services, and our focus on regional Queensland,” Ms Pease said.

“Residents and visitors should feel confident that the first class training these new recruits have received during their time at the academy will see them perform at the highest level when they hit the road in the coming months.”

Minister Crawford also congratulated two recruits from the Norfolk Island Fire Service who are the first to graduate from the Queensland Combined Emergency Services Academy. They will join eight other firefighters on the island.

“It was fantastic to see our firefighters standing side-by-side with the Norfolk Island recruits today,” Minister Crawford said.

“The training these two firefighters have received will undoubtedly lead to a safer and more resilient Norfolk Island.”

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